thelocalexplorer

We’ve all been bombarded recently with news about “going green.”  How crucial it is for our environment, how important it is for our health, how the world’s going to boil over and explode if we don’t stop using regular light bulbs…you get the picture.

To do a major overhaul in your home and life takes a lot of time, money, and energy, but by breaking it up little by little you can start being a bit more ecofriendly one day at a time.

Here’s a little example of what my husband and I did last night that illustrates five simple ways you can be a bit greener:

First off, we went shopping at our local farmers’ market for our weekly supply of fruits and vegetables.  I could go on an on about these eco-nomic gems but you can just scroll down to read a whole blog on it.

Second, we brought our own bags.  Well, backpack actually, and put our goods in there. I know its hard to remember, and sometimes it seems silly if you buy a ton of groceries and only have one or two bags that you brought. The point is to start trying to remember, and even if its one plastic bag less each shopping trip at least that’s something!

Third, buy organic. Now, I understand a lot of it is more expensive and to tell you the truth we don’t buy everything organic. But things like milk, meat, and fruits and vegetables with edible or thin skins might be worth the extra cost. There’s still a lot of controversy over things likst rBST (hormones) being used in dairy cows and that sort of thing, so educate yourself to make your own decision. Pesticides which leach into the skins of delicate produce like lettuce, peaches, apples and strawberries don’t sound too appetizing however.

Fourth, ditch corn syrup. Do you know what this does to your body? Oy! Its empty calories and nutritionists say its the #1 cause of obesity in America–that’s a bit scary! Here are a couple articles just to get you started on knowing all this awful thing does to your body! And make sure you read labels carefully–its in everything from ketchup to wheat thins!

San Francisco Chronicle Article

How High Fructose Corn Syrup Damages Your Body

And fifth, clean green. Does your nose ever tingle after cleaning your tub? Do you need to open a window scrubbing your oven? How is that good for you? According to the Clean Water Fund, over 40 pounds of harmful cleaning products are used each year in the average American household. And all those toxins in the air and on your furniture and and in your carpet can cause a host of health problems. So switch to non-toxic cleaners–surprisingly I just bought a Seventh Generation all purpose cleaner last night for the same price as Windex! There are a whole host of green products available, and often the best and simplest are already in your cupboard–baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice!

The Daily Green has a list of Green Cleaning Tips

Kaboose has a list of tested green products

So there you have it. Five simple things you can do in one night to start making your way towards a greener lifestyle. I’ll keep posting little tips to help you help yourself and our earth. The more I learn the more I’m amazed at our little blue planet.

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